How to make a leaf napkin ring for a festive fall party

Napkins sitting limply on the table before a fall dinner party? Thanksgiving table need a quick pick-me-up? This festive and easy addition to your table might make all the difference!

Mix up a simple batch of salt dough:

Ingredients
4 cups flour
1 cup salt
1-1/2 cups hot water (from tap)

• Mix the salt and flour together, then gradually add the water until the dough becomes elastic. Play around with the consistency, adding more flour or water as needed to get a firm dough that is neither too sticky or too dry.
• To color the dough simply work in the food coloring of your chose (for this project, orange is a good choice). Please note: in the baking process, the color will lighten a bit, so it might be good to go extra-dark.
• Roll out the dough like you would with any other dough, to the thickness of a sugar cookie. Use a leaf cookie cutter (I used a maple leaf) that is about 3-4 inches wide.
• When you have enough leaves for one per person, use a straw to punch out two holes halfway down the leaf, as far apart as you can make them.
• Place the leaves on a baking sheet and bake at 300 degrees until all of the leaves have hardened, but before they have started to brown (cover with foil if they start to brown but are not done baking yet. Remove from oven and let cool.
• Cut a length of yarn, rafia, or other ribbon, string it through the two holes that you made and then around a gathered napkin, tying in a bow on the underside of the napkin.
• Variation: when the leaves have cooled, use paint to decorate the leaves or write each guest’s name on their leaf as a keepsake.

This easy table ornament is a perfect way to bring a little of the great fall landscape onto your dining room table!